Stereoscopic film mounting device



N. ROSIE 7 2,684,537

STEREOSCOPIC FILM MOUNTING DEVICE Filed April 22, 1950 July 27, 1954 sSheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNE Y5.

July 27, 1954 N. L. 'ROSIE 4, 7

STEREOSCOPIC FILM MOUNTING DEVICE Filed April 22, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2g $7 4 M? i f 4 INVENTOR. 044e,,

ATTORN E Y5.

July 27, 1954 N. L. ROS 1E STEREOSCQPIC FILM MOUNTING DEVICE 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 22, 1950 IIIEHII m M E Patented July 27, 1954sTEnEosoorIo FILM MOUNTING DEVICE Norman L. Rosie, La Grange, Ill.

Application April 22', 1950, Serial No. 157,520

6 Claims.

My invention relates to an improved device to cut and sort stereoscopicfilm frames, mount the same in indexed relative positions on a carrierand seal the carrier in sandwiched relation between the folded parts ofa protective jacket.

Stereoscopic films are taken on 35 mm. or similar motion picture film byminiature cameras capable of simultaneously exposing two frames throughlenses spaced by approximately the spacing of the human eyes. In orderto obtain the illusion of depth in the resultant picture when viewed, itis essential to mount the frames a fixed predetermined distance fromeach other which, in most viewing devices, again approximates thespacing of the human eyes. It is also essential that the base lines ofeach picture of a pair be mounted along an absolutely straight line sothat they are coincidental. This is accomplished in the presentinvention by aligning the base line of each film of a pair parallel toone edge of the film carrier. Deviations from the optimum spacing ortwisting of the base line destroys the illusion of depth or causesstrain in the eyes of the viewer with consequent annoyance and loss ofthe true stereoscopic effect. With stereoscopic projectors or viewersequipped with means for adjustin lens separation laterally, anydeviation of image pair spacing requires the annoying realigning oflenses for each new picture inserted in the viewing device and in anyevent cannot compensate for twisting of one film relative to the other.

Moreover, for reasons of film economy the pairs of stereoscopic filmframes are frequently interleaved along the length of a continuous filmso that the space between each pair of stereoscopic frames is used forone or more other frames. This renders quite difficult the sorting ofthe frames after cutting, since the frames of the various pairs do notappear adjacent each other. This problem of sorting is rendered moreacute by the fact that the stereoscopic effect is obtained only when therespective films are properly oriented relative to each other andindividually so that the picture appears right side up and in threedimensions.

In accordance with the present invention an improved device is providedwhich cuts and sorts the stereoscopic film frames. Upon sorting, thesuccessive picture pairs may be positioned over indexing elements on thedevice which holds them in predetermined spaced positions for gluing orsealingto the film carrier. The device also provides by means unitarywith the films mounting means a mechanism to apply tape to secure thefilm carrier in a protective jacket.

it is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide animproved device to mount stereoscopic films.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved devicecapable of sorting stereoscopic films.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improveddevice to mount stereoscopic films in predetermined spaced relation on afilm carrier.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improveddevice to mount stereoscopic film pairs with their base linescoincidental.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved deviceto secure sealing tape to hold a stereoscopic film carrier in aprotective jacket.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedunitary device to accomplish the aforementioned objects in a systematicmanner suitable for easy operation by an amateur photographer andcapable of producing highly accurate results by the exertion ofcomparatively little skill.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my inventionare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My inventionitself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with other objects and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a device incorporating the present invention asseen in perspective;

Figure 2 is a view of a completely mounted and protected pair ofstereoscopic film plates;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus in the condition shown inFigure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view through the axis 4 l, Figure 3,showing a film strip in cutting position;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view through the axis 5-5, Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view in perspective of a film carrier;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary top plan view showing a pair of stereoscopicfilm frames in indexed position on the mounting head and about to beswung over the film carrier to be attached to the same;

Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged cross-sectional views through the axes 8-8and 9-9, Figure 7;

Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the axis ill-40,Figure 3, showing a 3 film frame in position as it is affixed to thecarrier;

Figure a is an enlarged fragmentary crosssectional view of a modifiedembodiment of the present invention as seen through axis ice-40a, Figure10;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view through the axis ii-iFigure 8;

Figure 12 is a view of an indexing pin in per spective;

Figure 13 is a View of a film carrier with film frames in position andheld between the folds of a protective jacket;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary top plan view of the device of Figure 1showing the sealing tape in position preparatory to sealing a jacket;

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through axis :-l-S, Figure'7, but showing the sealing tape in position and the protective jacketabout to be inserted; and,

Figure 15 is a view like Figure 15 but showing the sealing tape beingaffixed to the protective jacket.

As seen in Figure l, the structure of the present invention includes abed plate 2% carrying the swingable head 22 and the film sorter 2 3. Thehead 22 is supported from the bed plate by a pair of spaced blocks 26and 28, Figures 1 and 2, which define a space to receive the headsnugly. These blocks have a pair of aligned openings which receive thepin 3!! which forms a swingable support for the head 22. As seen best inFigure a, the head 22 is composed of a pair of mating blocks 22a and22?; held together by the screws 22d (Figure 3) and together definingthe vertically elongated slot 220 which receives pin 33 to secure thehead to the bed plate for swinging movements while permitting limitedtranslational up and down motion.

In the first step of mounting an uncut stereoscopic film roll, the filmstrip with the successive pairs of frames is inserted underneath thehead 22 as shown in Figure 4, the film being indicated at 32. The filmextends over the stripper plate and under the knife 35 and falls intothe recess 33 as shown in Figure 4. The bottom of recess 38 has anindexing groove as which forms a stop against which the end of the filmabuts to measure off approximately the length of one frame from the endof the film which is, of cours the border of the previously cut frame.

The free end of head 22 is raised slightly so that the teeth 22;(Figure 1) drop into sprocket receiving indexing notches 32a. The freeend of head 22 is then raised or lowered to shift film strip 32 back orforward into the exact position relative to stripper plate 36 where theborder of the adjacent frames is centered over the stripper plate. Theblade 36 is then pressed down to cut the film along the border. Once theproper angle of are for head 22 is determined for a particular roll offilm the arm is held at this angle and the film is drawn or pushed bythe number of indexing notches required to bring the next border intocutting position. As film moves under teeth 22] the teeth rise and fallwith the ratchet effect as pin 36 moves vertically in slot 220. The arm22 is received between posts 26 and 28 with some degree of looseness topermit this operation.

The blade 33 is carried by shaft 42 which is carried by the bed plate 26adjacent the recess 38. A coil spring 4 3 seats against the edge of therecess 38 and the blade 3% to hold the blade snugly against stripperplate 3 5.

As the frames are cut from the end of the film strip as described above,the successive cut frames are placed in the arcuate recesses or slots 21a formed in the sorting plate 24. This is done in the order indicatedby the numerals of Figure 3. That is the first film frame is placed inthe #1 slot, the second frame is in the #2 slot, the third frame in the#3 slot, and so on.

The camera for which the sorter 2 is intended takes a pair ofstereoscopic frames separated by two intervening frames. Two spacingsystems are in common use in such cameras (a) the interlaced system inwhich the film is moved two frames, skipping one frame, after eachexposure and (b) the group consecutive system in which the film is movedone frame after each exposure for the first three exposures and thenmoved four frames, skipping three frames, and repeating this sequence.

Under either of the above camera winding systems, when the films areplaced in sorter 2 in order shown by the numerals in Figure 3, the threerow slot feature and the orientation of the No. 1 slot 24a. in relationto the film receiving pins on arm 22 automatically brings the relatedfilm pairs together side by side in sorter 2 and likewise in correctleft and right hand position to transfer to corresponding left and righthand sets of pins on arm 22.

When the film frames are placed in the sorter 2 3 as described above,they may be removed in the pairs to select pairs of corresponding framesin the following sequence:

Interlaced Group Consecu- 1 Nos. 9 and 12:": Nos. 8 and 11.

Nos. 11 and 14.. Nos. Qand 12. 7th picture... Nos. 13 and 16.. Nos. 13and 16. 8th picture Nos. 15 and 18.. Nos. 1 1 and 17.

After using the sorter, the operator quickly learns the sequence to befollowed in removing the film frames. For guidance in learning thesequence the corresponding pairs of film receiving slots 24a may begiven distinctive colors, a sufficient number of colors being used sothat repetitions of the colors cause no confusion.

When the film frames have been cut and placed in the sorter 24, they areready for mounting on the film carriers. As shown in Figure 6, eachcarrier comprises a rectangular sheet of cardboard or the like,indicated at 56 with a pair of windows 46a of proper size and spacing toreceive a pair of stereoscopic film frames. The pair of film frames issecured to the carrier by appropriate adhesive, such as a plasticcement. While I find the use of cement simple and practical, filmcarriers precoated with heat sensitive plastic may be used byincorporating heating elements in the base ill.

The bed plate 26 receives the carrier st in predetermined position asshown in Figure 7. This position is defined by the undercut edge of theblock 28, the upstanding post 18, and the dog 5i]. Post 48 is attachedto base 26 at a slight angle relative to the vertical so that it servesto wedge carrier 46 tightly against undercut edge 281) as shown inFigure 10. As seen best in Figure 3, the dog 50 is received in anopening 23a in the block 28 and is of L-shaped configuration with oneleg of the L pinned to the block 28 and bed plate 20 by the pin 511a andextending beyond the confines of the block 28 to form a stop for thecarrier 46 as shown in Figure 7. The other leg of the dog 50 extendsoutside of the block 28 on the side opposite the carrier 46 to form anadjusting handle by which the position of the carrier relative to thebed plate may be adjusted.

The head 22 carries two arrays of film receiving pins in spaced array,one array for each film frame. The center pin 52 of each array (Figures7 and 9) is fitted snugly in a hole in the head 22 and thus assumes afixed axial position in relation to the head. The end pins 54 of eacharray are received in elongated tapered slots 55, Figure 8, formed inthe head 22. These slots permit movements of the axes of these pinsrelative to the head 22 and in a direction at right angles to thelengthy dimension of the head 22. As shown best in Figures 8, 9, and 11,a slot 58 of rectangular cross-section extends between the pins 52 and54 and defines a chamber in which the leaf spring 60 is located. Thisspring extends between the pins 52 and 54 as shown in Figure 11 to urgethe latter pins towards the edge of the head 22 as shown.

The pins 52 and 54 have rectangular heads 52a and 54d, respectively, asshown in Figures 3, 8, and 9. These are received in the rectangularslots 22c formed in the surface of the head 22. At their opposite ends,the pins 52 and 54 have reduced portions 52b and 54b, respectively,which terminate in somewhat ball shaped heads 52c and 540, respectively.

When the head 22 is swung to the face up position of Figures '7, 8, and9, the heads 52a and 54a of the pins 52 and 54 engage the pads 62mounted on the bed plate 20. These pads force the heads 52a and 54a to aflush position relative to the bottom face of the head 22 and thus causethe heads 52c and 540 to protrude above the head 22 since the pins arelonger than the thickness of head 22.

A air of cut stereoscopic film frames F1 and F2, Figure 7, are placedover the head 22 with their indexing sprocket holes 32a received on pins52 and 54 as shown. Since the pins 52 are received by the centerindexing hole (or other predetermined indexing hole), the frames arepositioned in predetermined spaced positions relative to each other, thepins 54 ride in the end sprocket holes (or other predetermined indexingholes) and urge each film frame in direction to cause the pins 52 toengage the inner side of the sprocket hole in which it is held. Thislocates each frame at a predetermined position transversely of the head22 and, since spring 65 is floating, it exerts like force on each pin 5tand the frames are oriented in predetermined positions relative to thehead 22 and parallel to each other.

The film frames are afiixed to the carrier 45 by swinging the head 22from the face up position to its position in Figure 10. Prior to thisstep the carrier 46 is partially coated with cement adjacent the marginsof the window 45a so that the film frames F1 and F2, when pressedagainst the carrier 46, are securely afiixed thereto.

When the head 22 is swung from the position of Figure '7 to that ofFigure 10, the film frames F1 and F2 are held against falling by thepressure engagement with the pins 52 and 54 and by the heads 52c and 5&0on these pins. The elongated tapered slots 55, Figure 8, are positionedso that the edge of the film frame projects slightly beyond the edge ofarm 2-2 and as that arm is swung downwardly the upper edge 280 of block28, Figure 10, guides the film edges along the plane surface of block28. The constant pressure of pins 54 against sprocket holes keeps thefilm edges pressed against the straight side of block 28 and thereforeparallel to the edge of the carrier 46 which fits in slot 28a. Thesepositions are sustained for sealing contact with carrier 45. Theundercut slot 28a, Figure 10, is only wide enough to accommodate thethickness of carrier 46 and does not allow the film edges to enter,while providing a lower edge 28b to maintain the alignment of carrier45.

When the head 22 is pressed down on carrier :25, the heads 52c and 540of the pins 52 and 54 engage the sides of the carrier 45 and the pinsare accordingly pushed up as shown in Figure 10. This partially releasesthe pins from the film frames so that when the cement 64 has dried, thefilm frames can be easily removed.

Figure 10a is an enlarged fragmentary view showing an alternative formof the pins 52 and 5d capable of holding the film frames snugly withoutcutting the film. The modified pin construction, indicated at I53, has asomewhat bell shaped head I53a which is inwardly tapered from its endand at its end is of slightly greater size than the indexing openingsI32a formed in the film F. The head I22 has a slot I54 which snuglyreceives the pin I53. This slot is beveled at I5 la.

When the film is forced downward to the head of pin I5sa, the marginalportions thereof adjacent the beveled side of opening I32a flex as shownin Figure 10a, thereby pulling the film so that the opposite side ofindexing opening I32a fits tightly against head I53a during sealingcontact, thus insuring exactly similar registration of successive filmsin relation to the center pins I53.

After the film frames are mounted on the carrier 45, the carrier issandwiched between the folded sides of the protective jacket 65. Asshown in Figure 13 this jacket consists of a folded car-dboard sheetadapted to fit over the carrier t3 and having windows 64a in registrywith the films F1 and F2. The jacketed unit is held together with astrip of sealing tape 56, Figure 2, located along the open edge of thejacket.

The head 22 has a slot 68, Figures '7, 14, 15, and 16, which is ofsufficient length and width to receive the jacket 64 and the carrier 46,together with the film frames cemented in place as shown in Figure 15. Apair of small diameter rollers It are positioned on opposite sides ofthe head 22 opposite the top face as is shown in Figures 3 and 15. Theserollers are mounted on shafts Elia, Figure 3, which are received in thehead 22. The rollers are received in conforming grooves in the head 22as seen in Figure 15, the rollers lfi protruding from the head 22 in theregion adjacent the mouth of the opening 68 so that a piece of sealingtape may be placed on the rolls without adhering to the body of head 22.

At one end of the rolls I0 a toothed Cutting edge E2, Figures 1 and 14,is mounted. This edge is defined by a metal plate which is mounted in asuitable slot in the head 22.

When the head 22 is in the face up position shown in Figure 15, the slot68 registers with a pair of rollers M. These rollers are mounted onshafts 56, Figures 4 and 15, the shafts being held in rectangularelongated slots 19, Figures 4 and 16. The rollers are biased to engagedpositions by springs 89 which are received in the sockets formed by theslots I9 and engage the free ends of the shafts I6. A spring is locatedat each end of each shaft I6.

When it is desired to mount a film frame receiving carrier 46 in aprotective jacket 64, Figure 13, the head 22 is first swung to the facedown position of Figure 3 and a strip of sealing tape 84 placed over theslot 68 as shown in Figure 14, the end of the strip being torn off alongthe edge '12. Pressure sensitive tape is particularly suitable for thispurpose and is laid with its adhesive edge facing the head 22 so that ittends to stick to rollers 10. However, since only the rollers are incontact with the tape, the tendency to stick is minimized.

After the tape 84 is laid over slot 68, the head 22 is swung to the faceup position of Figures 7, i5, and 16. The jacket 64 is then inserted inthe slot 68 with the film carrier i6 and in position facing down asshown in Figure 15. Upon further insertion of the jacket 64, the openedge engages the adhesive face of the tape as and the tape wraps aboutthe edge of the jacket 64 as it is forced down between rollers Hi. Whenthe jacket 64 is fully inserted, the tape 8 is completely pressed aboutits edge and the completed unit may be withdrawn without causing thetape to come off.

The rollers "M are made of sponge rubber to accommodate variations ofthickness along the length of the jacket 54. If desired, however, aplurality of rollers it may be placed on each side of the slot 86,Figure 16, in which the rollers M are located and individual springsused with each roller. The rollers can then move independently toachieve a maximum degree of accommodation for variations in thethickness of the jacket 64.

While for purposes of illustration the window type of jacket shown inFigure 13 has been described, other types of protective jackets may beused such as two glass slides in which case the top and bottom sides aresealed as described and the shorter sides are sealed by cuttingappropriate lengths of tape as indicated by guide marks which may beengraved on head 22 at proper distance from toothed cutting edge 72.

To further facilitate the binding of the short side of the glass slidesandwich, the small diameter rollers it may consist of a plurality ofindependently rotatable rollers in parallel array on shafts 12a, Figure3, so that two separate lengths of tape may be attached to the rollers76 and independently transferred to different ends of the glass slidesandwich when pressed against a plurality of rollers i i. In thisconnection additional toothed cutting edges similar to "#2, Figures 3and 14, may be attached to the other end of slot 68 or adjustablypositioned along the tape receiving surfaces of rollers "is to tear offshort lengths of tape measured to be temporarily affixed to rollers it.

While the apparatus, as illustrated, is, best suited for the free handholding of a tape roll while applying tape to rollers 18, a fixed ordemountable tape spool holder arm or a cupped trough may be attached tobase 28 along with a fixed anvil to which the loose end of the tape maybe temporarily affixed.

The arrangement of the various elements on base 2% may be altered fromthat shown in the accompanying drawings Without detracting from thenovel features thereof. For instance, the sorting element 2Q may be maderemovable and provided in multiple sets so that more than one roll maybe cut and sorted before proceeding with the mounting and bindingoperations, An alternative arrangement is envisioned where the headpivot pin 38 is secured at a right angle, in the plane of the base, tothat shown in Figure 1. In this case the space blocks 28 and 28 (but notthe undercut portion of 28) may be located at the ends of head 22 andthe slots 22c run in the lengthy direction of head 22. The arm 22 thendescribes a semi-circular are looking as seen from the short side ofhead instead of the arcuate motion of the structure of the drawings. Tolengthen the radius of the arcuate motion and make this embodiment moreeasily handled, side arms may be attached to the short ends of head 22and pivot pin 3t made in two portions passed through aligned openings inthe side arms. In this alternative arrangement the arrays of filmreceiving pins 52 and 54 may be positioned either in the long edge ofhead 22 located farthest from pivot pin St or they may be located on thelong edge nearest to pivot pin 39. In either arrangement the undercutstraight-edge side of block 28 is located on base 26 so that it facesthe side of head 22 on which the film receiving pins are located whenthe head is pressed down on film carrier If the undercut block islocated on the side nearest pivot pin 33 it must be lowered or beveledsufiiciently to clear the edge of head 22 as it is rotated. In thisalternative arrangement the slot 85 and biased rollers 1 3, Figures 4and 16, would be located on base 2E parallel to pivot rod 39 andregistered under slot 88 in head 22 when the head is rotated to the faceup position.

In addition, while the parallelism of the rear film support touching theedge of slot 28b, Figure 16), with the front film touching edge is a fature of this invention, the back edge does not have to be an integralpart of block 28 as illustrated but may be defined by two or moredownwardly projecting pins or bars which may be retractable into thebody of block 28. Such retractable pins may be arrayed in sets parallelto the front edge of slot 282) but each set being at a differentdistance from the front edge of the slot, thereby permitting adjustmentof the unit to accommodate film supports having various windows tosupport edge dimensions.

It will be apparent from the above description that the presentinvention provides a unitary structure capable of cutting, sorting,mounting and jacketing stereoscopic film frames in an accurate andsystematic manner without requiring skilled operation. it will, ofcourse, be apparent that many variations and alternative constructionsmay be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. I intend by the appended claims to cover all such variationsand alternative embodiments that come Within the true spirit and scopethereof.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. In a device to secure stereoscopic film frames having sprocket holesto a film carrier in predetermined spaced relationship, the improvementcomprising a head mounted for movement and arranged to be pressedagainst said carrier, pins in spaced arrays on the head, the pins ofeach array being adapted to receive the sprocket holes of one film, atleast one pin of each array being mounted on the head with a fixed axisrelative thereto to receive one sprocket hole of each film and at leastone other pin in each array being biased in a direction transverse toits axis to hold the film snugly against the pin having a fixed axis,all of the pins being shiftable along their respective axes when thehead is pressed against the carrier to positions within said head torelease the film frames.

2. In a device to mount stereoscopic film frames in predetermined spacedrelation on a film carrier, the improvement comprising a bed plateadapted to receive a film carrier at a predetermined position thereon, ahead movably aifixed to the bed plate and swingable thereover to a facedown position against the film carrier or a face up position to receivefilms, the head having a plurality of arrays of indexing pins, one arrayfor each film, at least one pin in each array having a fixed axisrelative to the head and other pins having movable axes relative to theone pin and being biased in direction transverse to their axes to holdeach film snugly against the pin having a fixed axis, the pins beingaxially shiftable to positions within said head to release the filmframes when the head is against a carrier.

3. In a device to mount stereoscopic film frames in predetermined spacedrelation on a film carrier, said device comprising a head adapted to bepressed against an adhesive covered carrier to affix the films thereto,the head having arrays of indexing pins to hold the films inpredetermined positions thereon, the pins being longer than thethickness of the head and being axially shiftable therein to protrudewhen the head is placed on a fiat surface, one pin of each array havinga fixed axis and other pins having movable axes and being biased to holdthe film snugly against the one pin.

4. In a device to mount stereoscopic film frames on a glue-equippedcarrier, each of said film frames having at least three indexingopenings in predetermined spaced relation, said device comprising a headadapted to be pressed against said glue-equipped carrier to afiix thefilms thereto, the head having arrays of three indexing pins, one arrayfor each film, one pin of each array having a fixed axis and the otherpins having movable axes and being biased in direction to engage thefilm snugly against the one pin, the pins being axially shiftable and ofgreater length than the thickness of the head to protrude from thesurface thereof when the head is pressed against a fiat surface.

5. In a device to mount stereoscopic film Number 0 frames inpredetermined spaced relation on a film carrier, the improvementcomprising a bed plate adapted to receive a film carrier at apredetermined position thereon in relation to a straight edge defined bythe bed plate, a head movably afiixed to the bed plate and swingablethereover to a face down position against the film carrier or a face upposition to receive films, the head having a plurality of arrays ofindexing pins, one array for each film, at least one pin in each arrayhaving a fixed axis relative to the head and other pins having movableaxes to hold each film snugly against the fixed pin or against thestraight edge when the head is in the face down position, the pins beingaxially shiftable to positions within said head to release the filmframes when the head is against the carrier.

6. In a device to mount a film frame at a predetermined point andorientation on a carrier, the improvement comprising a head mounted formovement and arranged to be pressed on the film carrier, spaced pins onthe head adapted each to engage a predetermined point on the film frameto hold the same at a predetermined position on the head, said pinsbeing yieldable axially relative to the head to positions within saidhead to disengage the film frame when pressed on the film carrier, andan indexing member defining a lower edge to engage and orient the filmcarrier and an upper edge to engage and orient the film.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NameDate Upjohn July 5, 1927 Claybourn Jan. 5, 1932 Moore Mar. 25, 1941Huebner Mar. 18, 1947 Bergstrom Nov. 25, 1947 Huebner Sept. 13, 1949Wagner Nov. 15, 1949 Patrick Feb. 7, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Country DateFrance Feb. 23, 1938 France June 8, 1945 Number

